Unstructured: meaning, definitions and examples

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unstructured

 

[ʌnˈstrʌktʃərd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

data analysis

Not organized or planned in a systematic way.

Synonyms

chaotic, disorganized, haphazard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unstructured

This word is suitable when describing something that lacks a specific organization or form, but it doesn't necessarily imply messiness or confusion. It is often used in contexts related to learning, data, or creative processes.

  • The meeting was unstructured, allowing everyone to share their ideas freely.
  • Unstructured data can be challenging to analyze but often contains valuable insights.
disorganized

This word is appropriate when describing something that is not structured or arranged in an orderly way. It often implies a lack of efficiency and can be used for places, people, or processes.

  • Her files were so disorganized that it took hours to find the necessary document.
  • The disorganized event led to a lot of frustration among the attendees.
chaotic

Use this word when describing a situation that is not only lacking in organization but is also in a state of complete disorder and confusion. It's often used in contexts involving high activity, unpredictability, or turmoil, and has a negative connotation.

  • The evacuation was chaotic as people scrambled to find exits.
  • His desk was chaotic, with papers and books scattered everywhere.
haphazard

This word fits when something appears random or done without any planning, organization, or consideration. It often describes actions or arrangements that seem careless, and has a negative connotation.

  • Their approach to solving the problem was haphazard and lacked any clear strategy.
  • Books were placed haphazardly on the shelf, making it hard to find anything.

Examples of usage

  • The data was unstructured and difficult to analyze.
  • She had trouble making sense of the unstructured information.
Context #2 | Verb

construction

To make something without a clear plan or organization.

Synonyms

demolish, disassemble, dismantle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unstructured

This adjective is used to describe something that lacks a formal organization or clear shape, often implying a chaotic or free-form nature. It can be applied to physical spaces, time management, or even data.

  • Their meetings are very unstructured, with no set agenda or schedule.
  • The data was unstructured, making it difficult to analyze without proper tools.
dismantle

This term is used similarly to 'disassemble,' but it often implies a more systematic or planned approach. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate taking apart institutions, systems, or organizations.

  • The mechanic needed to dismantle the car to fix the transmission.
  • The new CEO plans to dismantle the old hierarchy and implement a more modern organizational structure.
demolish

This term is often used when talking about destroying buildings or structures completely, with an implication of total ruination. It can also be used metaphorically, in a negative way, to indicate completely destroying an idea, argument, or effort.

  • The old factory was demolished to make way for a new shopping center.
  • She completely demolished his argument with a single well-researched point.
disassemble

This word is used when describing the process of taking something apart piece by piece, usually with the intention of either repairing it, understanding it, or rebuilding it. It is often used for mechanical objects and electronics.

  • We had to disassemble the computer to replace the broken hard drive.
  • The team spent hours disassembling the engine to find the source of the problem.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to unstructured the project and start from scratch.
  • They unstructured the entire building and rebuilt it according to the new design.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning not, and 'structured', which means organized or built.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'structura', which means construction or arrangement.
  • The term started being used widely in the late 20th century, particularly in fields like education and data analysis.

Education

  • Unstructured learning allows for creativity and self-direction, where students take charge of their own educational journeys.
  • In play-based learning, children often engage in unstructured activities that encourage exploration and social interaction.
  • Teachers use unstructured data in observances to understand student behaviors outside rigid tests or assessments.

Technology

  • In data science, unstructured data refers to information that doesn’t have a clear format, like social media posts or emails.
  • Artificial intelligence often deals with unstructured data to develop algorithms that can understand natural language.
  • Unstructured storage systems, like NoSQL databases, are designed to handle dynamic data without predefined schemas.

Psychology

  • Unstructured play is crucial for child development, improving problem-solving skills and creativity.
  • In therapy, unstructured conversations between therapist and client can lead to unexpected insights.
  • Research shows that unstructured environments can help reduce stress and increase innovative thinking.

Art

  • Unstructured art forms, like abstract expressionism, emphasize spontaneity and emotional expression rather than traditional techniques.
  • Artists often use unstructured methods in improvisational performances, highlighting the creative process over the final product.
  • Installation art can involve unstructured arrangements, transforming spaces in unexpected ways to provoke thought.

Translations

Translations of the word "unstructured" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não estruturado

🇮🇳 असंगठित

🇩🇪 unstrukturiert

🇮🇩 tidak terstruktur

🇺🇦 незструктурований

🇵🇱 nieustrukturyzowany

🇯🇵 非構造化

🇫🇷 non structuré

🇪🇸 no estructurado

🇹🇷 yapısız

🇰🇷 비구조적

🇸🇦 غير منظم

🇨🇿 nestrukturovaný

🇸🇰 neštruktúrovaný

🇨🇳 非结构化的

🇸🇮 nestrukturiran

🇮🇸 óskipulagt

🇰🇿 құрылымдалмаған

🇬🇪 დაუწყობელი

🇦🇿 strukturlaşdırılmamış

🇲🇽 no estructurado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,730, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.